Lessons Learned the Hard Way

After years of RV travel, I've learned that some of the best advice comes from experience. Sometimes it's a small mistake, sometimes it's something you wish you had known before you left home, and sometimes it's just finding an easier way to do things. In this section, I'll share lessons I've learned along the way, things that can help make your RV trips safer, easier, and more enjoyable.

Lesson #1: Don't Forget the Awning

We hadn't owned our RV very long when we stopped at a rest area for lunch. It was a hot, but beautiful day, so we decided to put the awning out and enjoy some shade while we ate.

When we finished lunch, we put everything away, got back in the RV, and headed down the road. There was just one problem. I forgot the awning was out.

As I started driving away, the awning began flapping like crazy. I quickly pulled over and brought it back in. Fortunately, nothing was damaged, but I learned a lesson that day that I haven't forgotten.

Lesson learned: Before I move the RV, I make sure the awning is in.

Lesson #2: Make Sure the Black Tank is Closed

We were staying at a campground in Cape May, New Jersey. If you know anything about Cape May, you know how crowded it can get during the summer months.

After packing up and starting our trip home, we decided to stop for coffee at one of the local convenience stores. What I didn't realize was that I had forgotten to close the black tank valve. To make matters worse, I hadn't tightened the cap securely either.

When I came out of the convenience store, I couldn't believe what I saw. The remnants of my black tank were spewed across the main street of Cape May. Talk about an embarassing RV lesson.

Lesson learned: Before pulling out of a campground, I make absolutely sure the black tank valve is closed and the cap is tightened securely.

Lesson #3: The Parking Lot Surprise

One Christmas, our son, Dan, and daughter-in-law, Kathy, gave Jeannie and me tickets to see Andrea Bocelli in Dallas, Texas. When we arrived, it was raining cats and dogs (we could see the poodles on the side of the road).

We drove around looking for a parking space or parking garage. Then I spotted a Walmart. I knew I could park there because I had used Walmart parking lots many times before.

In my haste, coupled with the heavy rain, I darted across a four-lane highway and headed for the parking lot. What I didn't realize was that there was an 11ft height barrier at the entrance.

I didn't see it until I was already underneath it and heard the unmistakable CRUNCH of something hitting the roof of the RV. I think you can guess how fast my heart was beating. Luckily, no heart attack!

When I checked the damage, it turned out that I had only broken a roof vent cover. As Bernie Sanders would say, "It coulda been a disasta!"

Lesson learned: When your're driving an RV, never assume an entrance has enough clearance, even if you parked at that type of location before. Slow down, look up, and always know the height of your RV.

Lesson #4: The Campsite That Was Barely a Campsite

Avalon, New Jersey, is a beautiful area, but like most beach towns, it gets very crowded during the summer. Campgrounds fill up quickly, and during one four-day stay, we ran into a booking problem. We ended up having to stay at one campground for two nights and move to another for the remaining two.

The evening before our move was quite eventful, and I stayed up much later than I should have. So when 5:00 a.m. rolled around and it was time to break camp and head to the next campground. Needless to say, I wasn't exactly at my best.

At the time, we had a 32ft Fleetwood Bounder Class A motorhome. When we arrived at the new campground and I saw the size of our campsite, I almost turned around and went home. But, it was already booked and my wife talked me into staying.

Talk about a nightmare! I felt like I was dreaming. My wife, Jeannie, looked at the site and asked,"How are you going to fit into that space?"

I answered, "Very carefully."

She stood behind me as I began backing in. And I'm exaggerating when I call it a campsite. I barely had enough room to maneuver, but things were going pretty well until I heard Jeannie scream above the crunching. I had backed into a campsite sign, and, a pole that had no business being there!

The damage was horrendous. The entire rear corner of the motorhome folded up like a slice of bread. It caused major damage, and unfortunately, that RV was never the same afterwards.

Lesson learned: If a campsite looks too small or difficult for your RV, don't let the fact that you've already paid for it convince you to squeeze in. Get out, walk the site, check every obstacle, and if it doesn't feel safe, ask for another site, or leave. A campsite fee is a lot cheaper than an RV repair.